While enjoying the last, sun-soaked days of summer, I’ve been sedulously poring over the newest beauty trends and products for fall 2015. Although it’s always difficult to narrow it down, and I have yet to conclude my research, I do have a few top preliminary picks to share just in time for Labor Day weekend.

Deep burgundy lips are are de rigueur this fall. (Photo: Antonello)

Wine-stained lips

Replace your classic red lip with a deep burgundy pout this fall. Dark, vampy lips are de rigueur this season. Deep-hued lipstick can be intimidating; some of us feel a bit of trepidation when attempting this dramatic look. One misstep and you’ll unwittingly recreate the 90s goth look — not quite the effect we’re trying to achieve.

The secret to the perfect wine-stained lip is choosing a color that works with your complexion. Porcelain-skinned ladies should stick to rich berry tones, and a sheer or glossy finish is highly flattering. Medium skin tones come alive with deep burgundy, maroon shades — look for colors with a balance of plum and brown. Darker complexions look stunning in pure, deep purples. A blue-based purple imparts instant glamour and flatters deeper skin tones. Try a decadent aubergine shade for a super chic look this autumn.

I love the color selection in Charlotte Tilbury’s new Matte Revolution collection, which abounds in perfect rich, autumnal hues.

Modern Muse Le Rouge is the perfect scent for transitioning from summer to fall.
(Photo: Estee Lauder)

Estee Lauder Modern Muse Le Rouge

I’m generally a bit skeptical about flanker fragrances; i.e., new versions of a previous fragrance that reuse the original perfume’s name with additional words appended to it, such as “Chance” and “Chance Eau Vive.” However, I was pleasantly surprised by Estee Lauder’s latest addition to its Modern Muse collection: Modern Muse Le Rouge.

This is the perfect scent for transitioning from summer to fall. It is a seamless blend of Bulgarian rose and delectable fruit notes layered over spicy saffron and pink pepper with a creamy base of vanilla and ambrette. This is not your typical, fruity floral scent that would deemed irredeemably jejune by those of us with olfactory discernment. This sophisticated scent is easy to wear with a moderate sillage that is work-appropriate, but transitions effortlessly to evening.

The Mischo Beauty She Who Dares polish collection includes a deep purple and jade. (Photo: Mischo Beauty)

Mischo Beauty She Who Dares

Mischo Beauty has come out with its fall/winter 2015 collection, She Who Dares, and I am smitten. Take a look and see the intense shade of purple and deep jade. I’m torn between Risqué, a glowing fuchsia, and On Pointe, a smoldering teal. I think I’ll just take them both!

New Year, New You!

It’s 2015, and your New Year’s resolution is probably the same as 2014’s, which is to fulfill your resolutions from 2013. If that’s the case just stop. Whether or not you’ve fulfilled previous resolutions, start this year with a clean slate and make your only resolution to pull a “Nike” and just do it.

If you are single, then make this year your year. Let go of old hookups. Yes, I mean no more booty calling them when you feel lonely. You aren’t going to find your soulmate if you keep calling Steve the Slimeball or Horndog Harry at 2 a.m. because they texted you “Hey.” This year, your goal is to figure out what you want. You don’t need to be picky, but you should be specific. Stop wasting your time with randoms if what you really want is a relationship. If you are into random hookups, do you, but don’t complain when your one night stand doesn’t call you back.

Cheers to a new year and a new you! (Photo: Christina Panta/DC on Heels)

Don’t let me deter you from doing whatever and whoever you want though. Hooking up is fun, but you need to set realistic expectations. Once you do, go on with your bad self. But don’t be that friend who believes every hookup is her next boyfriend and then ugly cries when they don’t call back.

If love isn’t one of your resolutions but weight-loss is, these rules still apply. You need to set realistic goals for yourself. If you know you hate dieting with a passion, then maybe working out is for you instead. Join a gym. If it’s costing you money, you’ll be more likely to push yourself into going. Plus, you can workout with a buff personal trainer and have an excuse to check them out the whole time.

If you’re the complete opposite and hate walking, let alone running, maybe dieting is for you. In this case, make a plan and stick to it. Sometimes dieting can be easier if you have someone join you and you can watch each other’s back (or should I say stomach). I know whenever I diet, I need either my mom or my boyfriend, or I know I’ll get off track. So find your diet buddy to help you stick to your resolution.

At the end of the day, aside from “just doing it,” your resolution should be to just be happy. Some people say a happy wife makes a happy life, but in reality, a happy YOU makes a happy life. So with every resolution you make, think of yourself. If you want to be in a relationship this year, do it because you feel like you’re ready and not because all your friends are having babies and getting engaged. If you want to lose weight, do it for yourself and not because your grandma said she was skinnier at your age.

Happy New Year’s Washington, D.C.! (Photo: www.ladylux.com)

Raise your glass

So cheers to a new year of being selfish and for once putting your wants and needs first. You deserve it because you rock, and you should never change unless its to make yourself happy this new year.